Do not let Judah become guilty; may they not go to Gilgal or go up to Beth-aven. Hosea 4:15 

During Hosea’s lifetime, God’s people were divided into two nations. Israel was to the north and Judah was to the south. Israel had strayed farther from God’s ways than Judah. In this verse, God gives a cautionary word to Judah so that the purity of her faith will not deteriorate further. His encouragement was this ~ Do not go to Gilgal or Beth-aven. These cities, both in Israel, were the centers of idol worship. If a citizen of Judah traveled there, most likely he would be drawn to partake in some kind of idolatrous activity. 

I must also be careful to avoid situations that put me in vulnerable places. Being near what causes me to stumble is poor planning because I underestimate its allure. It could be that God is doing a new work in me and because it has just been birthed, it is fragile.  Suppose there is a person in my life who withholds their support. Their words unnerve me and erode my confidence. Listening to them and seeking their input correlates with going to Gilgal. 

God wants me to use common sense. If I am an alcoholic, I will avoid places where there is social drinking. If I thrive on gossip, I should steer clear of coffee circles that make a sport of finding fault with those who can’t defend themselves. If I am self- critical, I should limit the company of those who delight in tearing me down. I am not invincible and I can often be like the toddler standing in front of a plate full of warm cookies. Once I taste one, I will have no restraint until I get sick from over-indulgence. 

May God make me a strategic planner so that I can see danger ahead of time.  Give me the strength to change course. In Jesus’ name, Amen